Six Strategies for Improving Data Collection on Student Parents in Colleges

California Takes a Bold Step to Support Student Parents: The Greater Accessibility, Information, Notice, and Support for Student Parents Act

In a significant move aimed at addressing the challenges faced by student parents, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a groundbreaking law at the close of Student Parent Month this past September. The law, known as the Greater Accessibility, Information, Notice, and Support for Student Parents Act, mandates California’s postsecondary institutions to collect data on student parents and enhance access to financial aid. This initiative recognizes the crucial role data plays in identifying the needs of a large demographic of students—over 3.14 million undergraduate and 1 million graduate student parents across the United States.

Research has consistently demonstrated that higher education can lead to improved educational and economic outcomes for both mothers and their children. However, the reality is that student parents are often less likely to complete their degrees on time. The lack of comprehensive data at both institutional and local levels hampers efforts to tailor support for these students effectively.

The Push for Better Data Collection

Since 2022, the Urban Institute has spearheaded the Data-to-Action Campaign (D2A), collaborating with colleges in California, Illinois, and Oregon to bolster their data collection practices regarding student parents. Central to this effort is engaging directly with student parents, allowing institutions to understand better how they can provide supportive environments and resources tailored to their unique circumstances.

As part of this initiative, the Urban Institute consulted with student parents at colleges involved in the D2A campaign. They identified six key strategies that can empower institutions to improve their data collection and better address the needs of parenting students.

1. Mandatory Parent Status Questions: Currently, on some campuses, questions about parental status during course registration are optional. Making this information a requirement and integrating it into essential processes will ensure higher response rates. Additionally, institutions should remind students to report this information through prompts or nudges.

2. Creating a Safe Campus Environment: It is essential for student parents to feel comfortable sharing their parenting status. Trust plays a vital role in this equation. Colleges that foster a supportive culture can encourage more students to disclose their status, thereby contributing to more accurate data collection.

3. Transparency About Data Usage: Educating student parents on how their data will be utilized is paramount. Will this information help shape tailored resources, or will it contribute to state reporting? Clear communication about the purpose of data collection can build trust and encourage more significant participation.

4. Understanding Barriers: Many student parents encounter substantial obstacles such as financial difficulties and inadequate child care. In rural or tribal communities, challenges like limited internet access are common. By collecting detailed data on these issues, institutions can identify and address barriers that may hinder retention.

5. Timing is Crucial: Student parents, compared to their non-parenting peers, often face “time poverty,” making them less likely to engage fully in lengthy surveys during busy semesters. Collecting data at quieter times, such as before the academic year or during registration, is essential for maximizing participation.

6. Incentivizing Participation: Offering incentives like gift cards or entry into raffles could significantly increase response rates when collecting information from student parents. These small gestures can help convey that their voices are valued.

The Role of Policymakers

While institutional changes are vital, there is also a pressing need for action at the state and federal government levels. Legislation can play a crucial role in mandating colleges to collect this essential data and ensuring student parents are adequately informed about its use.

By enhancing data collection practices, both educational institutions and policymakers can collaborate to better understand and support the needs of student parents. This will not only foster an inclusive educational environment but also ensure that these students have access to the resources necessary for success.

As we look at the broader implications of this new law, California is setting a precedent for educational institutions across the country to follow. By prioritizing the needs of student parents, we take significant strides toward not only improving higher education outcomes but also positively impacting future generations.

In a world where educational access and completion are paramount, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to the importance of supporting all students, particularly those balancing the demanding roles of both parent and scholar.